For my Aunt Marie
Green leaves cradle
the fallen and finished –
spent, diminished –
(Nature cradles
broken things)
Lantana
yellow small and white
bloom wild, unburdened –
fierce, unplanted –
(Sown by Nature’s careful hand)
Unplanned
her hard shell cracks wide
open and she sings
(Nature cradles
broken things)
* * *
* * *
Dear Aunt Ree,
There’s no good time to die, is there? You suffered; you persevered; you raised two good daughters who have gone on to raise their own good children. I was always secretly impressed that you married and divorced the same man, twice. That took hella courage. I like to think of the softness in your eyes sometimes, made more special because you normally wore your armor. I like to think of you laughing, and singing. (I was always secretly impressed that you said negative and honest things that not everyone would say.) I like to think that you’re bowling in heaven with a body made new and whole, and maybe you and Uncle Buddy will go fishing, and you will never again struggle to breathe. I like to think of you home, a treasured and cherished child of God. (I like to think that heaven is far greater and stranger than I can imagine, and doesn’t involve bowling or fishing.)
You were a good sister, and daughter, and mother, and aunt, and friend. The world is a smaller place without you.
Love, ~Jen
* * *
Photos from the DR, with sincerest thanks to JC and NC for the gift of this journey.
December 13, 2020 at 5:39 am
What a beautiful tribute. Xo
December 13, 2020 at 6:22 am
I agree with Betsy, What a lovely tribute to your aunt. A perfect Sunday morning reflection. Hope you are feeling stronger and close to being back on your feet soon.
December 13, 2020 at 6:34 am
Beautiful
December 13, 2020 at 8:07 am
Lovely poem and tribute, Jennifer. So sorry for your loss.
December 13, 2020 at 8:13 am
You loved – love – her, and said so in such a moving way. She was obviously special, and so are you. Loss is so tough.
December 13, 2020 at 8:20 am
Beautiful tribute to your aunt, Jennifer
December 13, 2020 at 8:33 am
Lovely.
December 13, 2020 at 8:47 am
Beautiful tribute, dear niece, Jennifer! She would love this!
December 13, 2020 at 9:01 am
A beautiful reflection this morning Jennifer – and so very sorry for your loss!
December 13, 2020 at 9:16 am
Lovely.
December 13, 2020 at 10:30 am
So graceful, beloved J
December 13, 2020 at 10:57 am
A beautiful post, Jennifer.
December 13, 2020 at 11:38 am
Dearest Jen, this brought a tear to my eye. What an honor to her! She was special!
December 13, 2020 at 11:45 am
Such a beautiful tribute Jennifer. Thinking of you and your family.
December 13, 2020 at 9:39 pm
Lovely, so sorry for your loss
December 13, 2020 at 9:43 pm
Sweet friend, what a lovely remembrance. I’m so very sorry. xo
December 16, 2020 at 12:15 pm
Lovely tribute. ❤️